It turns out there is no ban on cakes and other sugary treats at school celebrations, including spring flings, after all.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex clarified the department’s food and nutri­tion policy Wednesday and said section 6.1 of the policy allows for less-nutritious food, such as cakes, alongside healthy options at special functions, including spring flings.

“At spring flings, cakes are definitely allowed. There is no ban on any food items for special events," Jennex told reporters.

There was an outcry from some parents when provincial government staff sent a memo to schools last month saying that activities “such as ‘cake walks’ (that in­clude cakes of minimum nutrition)" are not allowed at events such as spring flings. Department spokesman Chad Lucas said the memo was sent out in error.

“Essentially, staff made a mistake in interpreting the policy," he said.

“Basically, this memo kind of went out, to be honest, without the minister’s final signoff. Staff had put this together and it didn’t quite get vetted the way it should have."

The department doesn’t allow schools to fundraise by selling items like chocolate bars or other minimally nutritious foods.

Chocolate bars, cakes and other non-nutritious foods also aren’t allowed to be served at schools under the food policy, but there’s a specific exception for special events like spring fairs.

Jennex said she thinks the confusion resulted from mixing the food policy and fundraising policy.

“Childhood obesity is a serious concern and it is crucial for us, as a society, to promote healthy living," she said in a news re­lease Wednesday.

“But I know spring flings tradi­tionally have an important role in many communities, and I look to principals, parents and school advisory councils to use common sense and make good choices on what is appropriate at these events."

Pamela Lovelace, a mother of two who objected to a ban on cakes at spring flings, said Wednesday that she is glad the department has clarified its posi­tion.

“We all believe in healthy eating," said Lovelace, who is also president of the Hammonds Plains Consolidated Home and School Association.

“We need to teach our kids healthy eating but we also need to teach moderation and we shouldn’t be making (children) feel bad or guilty about eating food."

The opposition parties say it looks like government did a flip-flop because of all the back­lash.

“I think the minister has real­ized a little common sense will probably go a long ways on this one," said Progressive Conservat­ive MLA Chris d’Entremont.

He said parents and volunteers should be urged to use their discretion in interpreting the policy.

“I still find it difficult to under­stand where cake can be used as a fundraiser. It sounds like spring flings are OK but maybe other things are not."

“I applaud the schools that actually did go with their edict and switch to non-cake walk fundraisers but, really, I think parents can decide whether their kids (can) win a cake and bring it home," she said.